Bullpen Report: April 10, 2018

• Alex Colome has had some struggles of late and although he allowed the first two batters to reach base last night, he didn’t allow one to score and held onto the one run lead for his second save of the year. On the year Colome has allowed four runs in 3.1 innings, which can happen early on for a reliever after a rough outing but what’s troublesome is his 4.8% K% and 14.3% BB%. For his career, Colome has a 11.6% SwStr% and this year it’s only at 8.6%.

Colome displayed fantastic swing and miss stuff in 2016 paired with a better walk rate, but both of those went in the wrong direction last year and that trend has continued this year. There seems to be no real concerns with his velocity and he will have a long leash in Tampa Bay but it’s worth noting his appearances here on out. If he continues to slip look for Sergio Romo, Jose Alvarado, and Chaz Roe to be next in line. Roe and Alvarado shared the 6th and 7th innings last night with Romo getting four outs and three strikeouts to set up Colome with the save.

• Rough start to the Greg Holland era in St. Louis. Holland came on in the 10th inning last night and walked four batters while only getting one out. Bud Norris finished the inning but the damage was done as Holland received the loss. The Cardinals didn’t pay Holland to give him just one save opportunity but it might take a few appearances in non-closing situations before he’s given the role. I’d expect Bud Norris to see the next save opportunity with Dominic Leone, Tyler Lyons, and Jordan Hicks setting up along with Holland.

• After a shaky outing in his last appearances, Jacob Barnes came in with one out in the 8th last night and struck out a pair for the hold. Matt Albers received his first save chance and promptly blew it although he stayed on for two innings and notched his second win after Greg Holland got the loss. Josh Hader got four outs all via strikeouts and it’s apparent that he’s both the best reliever on the team but also being used for more innings and not being saved for the ninth.

If Barnes and Albers continue to falter, Hader’s role could change but I’m keeping it as Barnes – Albers – Hader for now. Even though he may not see saves, Hader is 100% worth owning in pretty much all formats. In 6.1 innings this year Hader has 14 strikeouts against 4 walks and is supporting a 0.03 FIP and 0.67 SIERA. Other relievers might have better gas but Hader’s pitch mix is leading to a 19.8 SwStr% and a quick rise towards the top in the non-save reliever rankings.

• Brad Hand has had some questionable results and declining velocity to start the year but he struck out the side for his third save of the year to keep the save vultures at bay. Kirby Yates was a popular pick up due to Hand’s struggles but he finds himself on the DL and expect Craig Stammen and Jordan Lyles to see the setup innings in San Diego. Additionally, Hand’s velocity was up closer to last year’s levels, suggesting he might be putting his early struggles behind him.

• Quickish Hits: Andrew Miller only needed 9 pitches to close out his fist game of 2018. Miller only had two saves in 2017 after recording 12 the season prior. It’s possible he gets a few more chances this year but Cody Allen is still the primary closer in Cleveland. Hector Neris recorded his first save of the year, striking out a pair of Reds while allowing one hit.

The Phillies haven’t started the season caring too much about traditional roles in the rotation, bullpen, or the field but Neris is still the closer even if Gabe Kapler might be inclined to use him earlier in the game on occasion. Jeurys Familia scattered two hits while striking out three for his 5th save of the year. A.J. Ramos was a fairly popular saves sleeper but Familia has been fire to start the year and his job is obviously very safe. Brad Boxberger’s hold on saves is safe in Arizona but Archie Bradley received the opp last night and secured his first save of the year. Ken Giles has not had a great start to 2018 but he recorded the final out for his first save of the year.